Preaching Jesus in Rexdale

Steve and I had a great night tonight preaching Jesus in Rexdale. The local police division began an initiative several years ago with local clergy where they walk some of the more difficult areas of our neighbourhood with pastors. The idea is kind of a “we’re all in this together” thing.
Well, it is also a wonderful way to talk to folks about Christ.
Steve had a great conversation with a man tonight who was trusting in his own works. He was able to show the emptiness of works and point to the glorious work of Jesus. I was king of stuck listening to some others talk about crime in the neighbourhood, so I listened with half an ear and prayed for Steve.
Then we had a lot of fun with a whole whack of kids. After that, I was able to have a very direct conversation with two lovely young girls. Like so many in this world, it was clear their hope was not in Jesus alone. So, I told them how I had broken all of God’s commandments (they wondered how I could still be a pastor!) then I showed them how they had also. After that, we talked about the justice of God and how it would be unfair of Him to simply excuse us for crimes we had committed and then punish other people. So I told them of being in a court where the judge decides we are guilty and will go to prison for life… only to have another man, an innocent man stand up and say he will take my place. The crime is paid for, but I am free.
I told my 12 and 14 year old friends that is what they needed – a substitute. I think they understood that.
So we talked about how that Substitute can only be had by turning away from sin and putting faith in Him.
They promised me they would read the Gospel of John and I am going to pray that God saves both of them – to their surprise and His glory!